PERF Monthly Newsletter – December 2018

DECEMBER 2018

Here is a roundup of the articles, news & updates that we've published on the PERF blog site during the past month. Click on the "Read More" link at the bottom of each excerpt to read the full article.

Annual Report and Request for Your Support

We send our best wishes for the holiday season. We hope your year has been happy and healthy. As has been our tradition, this is the time of year we update you on our work on behalf of COPD patients and ask for your support going forward.

The holiday season is a good time for reflection on our successes and failures. The Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation (PERF) has been in existence for about 34 years. We’ve focused on improving the lives of those with COPD and other lung diseases and its worthwhile considering what kind of report card we’d give ourselves.

5 Things to Consider – Other Than Diet – To Help You Lose Weight

It might seem kind of cruel to publish an article about losing weight right when we’re all enjoying traditional holiday meals and festivities.

But that’s the point of this article. Real and lasting weight loss isn’t about denying yourself the pleasures of good food. It’s about understanding yourself and living a healthy lifestyle that you enjoy and that also promotes fitness and keeps your weight within a reasonable range.

The Signs of Pneumonia and How to Avoid Getting It

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs and causes a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The disease can be mild or serious; even life-threatening.

What Are the Signs That You Have Pneumonia as Opposed to a Cold or Flu?

Mild pneumonia may cause symptoms that are much like a cold or flu, but they last longer. Other more recognizable symptoms of pneumonia include:

Chest pain with coughing or even paid with just breathing

Confusion, especially in adults 65 or older

A cough that produces phlegm

Fatigue

Fever, sweats, and chills

Lower than normal body temperature

Persistent fever above 102 degrees

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Shortness of breath

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor, especially if you’re over 65, or have an underlying health condition or weakened immune system.